LECT 1 INTRODUCTION TO BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE.ppt

Psychology research

1. PSC 315
INTRODUCTION

Mrs Tafadzwa

2. Aims of behavioural Science
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
At the end the course the Physician will acquire
knowledge and skills on basic concepts and principles of
Behavioural sciences
It aims to study the behaviour on the basis of systematic ,
rational, demonstrate cause and effect relationship
It uses scientific study of enquiry
The findings can be repeated and data collected is
objective
It aims to understand, explain, predict and control human
behaviour

3. COMPETENCE
Appropriately apply Psychology and sociology in
patient and community counselling services.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Conduct basic Client or Patient assessments to
determine needs of patients.
Carry out Community assessments. 
Apply socio-psychological knowledge to solve health
problems

4. Topic domains for the behaviour science in
medical teaching:
1. Mind body interaction
2. Patient behavior
3. Physician role and behavior
4. Physician patient interaction
5. Social and cultural issues in health care
6. Health policy and economics

5. History and background of Behavioural
sciences
Behavioural sciences is , the most modern major
domain in health sciences , flows from ancient
intellectual wellsprings.
From the biblical proverb which taught that "A
merry heart does good like a medicine" (Proverbs
17:22) to the definitional "heart-ache" of
Shakespeare's Hamlet (act 3, scene 1), the psyche
and the soma have long been sensed to be linked.

6. History and background of Behavioural
sciences
During the early 19
TH
CENTURY when modern
medicine was established. It was based on
investigation of the physical signs and symptoms .
This was according to the biomedical model
which describe men as biological beings with
common biological identities

7. History and background of Behavioural
sciences
Yet although such notions of close ties between health
and thoughts, feelings, and behaviors date back
thousands of years, the scientific discipline of
Behavioural Sciences led by health psychology did not
take shape until the 1970s.
This emergence was a full century after the beginnings
of psychology in the 1870s, and well after the
establishment of experimental psychology, social
psychology, developmental psychology, physiological
psychology, personality psychology, and clinical
psychology

8. History and background of Behavioural
sciences
Psychosomatic Medicine
The earliest challenge to the biomedical model was the
psychosomatic medicine .
This was developed in the 20
th
century in response to Freud’s
analysis of the relationship between the mind and physical
illness
Freud gave an explanation to hysterical paralysis a condition
without any medical explanation, and other condition like the
phantom limp pain

9. History and background of Behavioural
sciences
A further discipline that challenged the biomedical model was
behaviour medicine which was described by Schwarts and Wess
(1977) as being an amalgam of elements from the social sciences
discipline (psychology, sociology, anthropology and health
education which focuses on health care, prevention and treatment .
Behaviour medicine also focuses on behaviour therapy and
behaviour modification to prevent physical diseases and
psychological dysfunction e.g. hypertension, addiction behaviours,
bulimia and anorexia nervosa obesity etc.
In addition behaviour medicine challenged the traditional
separation of the body and mind
And behaviour medicine uses the bio-psychosocial approach

10. Approaches to health
Biomedical model
Mind-body dualism
Body can be repaired like a machine
Explanation of disease focused on biological changes
Germ theory- a disease is caused by an identifiable agent

11. What is the biomedical Model
The biomedical model to health is best understood by its answers to
the following questions
What causes illness? Biological Factors/Germs or involuntary body
imbalances .
Who is responsible for illness? Cause not the individual. Because the
individual has no control over it
How should illness be treated? Focus on biological factor.
Who is responsible for treatment? Health practitioner.
What is the relationship between health and illness? No relationship.
Health and illness are quantitatively different there is no continuum. Its
either you are health or ill
 What is the relationship between mind and body? The mind is incapable
of influencing the physical matter

12. Approaches to health
Biopsychosocial model
The Biopsychosocial model was first conceptualized by George Engel in
1977, suggesting that to understand a person's medical condition it is not
simply the biological factors to consider, but also the psychological and
social factors 
[1]
.
Bio (physiological pathology)
Psycho (thoughts emotions and behaviours such as psychological distress,
fear/avoidance beliefs, current coping methods and attribution)
Social (socio-economical, socio-environmental, and cultural factors suchs
as work issues, family circumstances and benefits/economics)
This model is commonly used in chronic pain, with the view that the pain
is a psychophysiological behaviour pattern that cannot be categorised into
biological, psychological, or social factors alone. There are suggestions
that physiotherapy should integrate psychological treatment to address
all components comprising the experience of chronic pain. 

13. This was adopted in the late 20
th
Century as away to adress health using
biological, the psychological and the psychological approach. Its best
understood with answers to the following questions
1. What causes illness? Biological, Social and Psychological factors.
2. Who is responsible for illness? The individual.
3. How should illness be treated? Medicine, Stress management, psychosocial
support.
4. Who is responsible for treatment? The individual
5. What is the relationship between health and illness? At both ends of the
health-illness continuum.
6. What is the relationship between mind and body? The mind and body can
affect each other
The biopsychosocial model

14. Approaches to health
Case study
Mrs. Phiri is 52, widowed and works as a part time office
assistant. She lives with her two daughters. Anne is 25
and has a steady relationship with her boy friend, she has
a 4 week-old baby. Jane is in school but is not doing too
well in her studies. Mrs. Phiri is often irritable and has
dropped out of her usual social activities. Anne has bouts
of weepiness, Jane is disillusioned with study and stays
out late in pubs.
QUESTION which approach can be used to address Mrs. Phiri’s health problem

15. Behavioural Science
Behavioral science is a branch of social science that derives
its concepts from observation of the behavior of living
organisms..
Broadly defined, behavioral science is the study of human
habits, actions, intentions and interactions
 Behavioral science looks at individuals and their behavior
along with the behavior of societies, groups, and cultures,
and processes which can contribute to specific behaviors.
Combining knowledge of sociology, psychology and
anthropology with strong observation, research, and
communication skills, a behavioral scientist works with
communities and individuals examining behavior and decision-
making

16. Behavioural sciences
Behavioural sciences is the study of social framework
developed by groups and individuals over time (Bephage,
1997) .It examines the development, structure, and
functioning of human society. It is focused to a group of
people belonging to a society.
Behavioural sciences is the scientific study of society,
including patterns of social relationships, social
interaction, and culture.

17. Behavioural sciences

It is also described by Ogden (2012) as the aggregate of
the specific educational , scientific social and
psychological discipline which focuses on the promotion
and maintenance of health and the treatment of illnesses
and related dysfunctions
Behavioural sciences draws upon bases its perspectives in
its analysis on health and illnesses . These are the
biopsychosocial model, pathways between health and
psychology and behaviour change models

19. Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental
processes (Peterson, 1992)
Behavior is a response of an individual or group to an action,
environment, person, or stimulus.
1. Behavior is everything a person does.
2. Behaviors is
that can be observed
that can be heard/seen
 that can be measured
Behavior is the function of person’s characteristics and the
characteristics of surrounding environment

20. Psychology
Mental process or mental functions
are terms often used interchangeably for all the things
that individuals can do with their minds. These include
perception, memory, thinking (such as ideation,
imagination, belief, reasoning, etc.), volition, and
emotion

21. Sociology
Sociology is a branch of social sciences that uses
systematic methods in the study of human interactions
 Giddens 1990 defines Sociology as the study of human
social behavior, society, patterns of social relationships,
social interaction, and culture that surrounds everyday
life. It is a social science that uses various methods of
empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a
body of knowledge about social order and social change.
 L.F. Ward defines, “Sociology is the science of society or
of social phenomena

22. Subject matter of Sociology


Sociology is
– the study of society
– the science of social life
 – the study of social relationships
– the study of human behaviour in groups
 – the study of forms of social relationships
– the study of social action – the study of social groups and
social systems
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23. Anthropology
It is the scientific study of humans, human behaviour and societies
in the past and present. It is the study of cultures and how they
influence human behaviour
Anthropology is the study of people throughout the world, their
evolutionary history, how they behave, adapt to different
environments, communicate and socialize with one another.
The study of anthropology is concerned both with the biological
features that make us human (such as physiology, genetic makeup,
nutritional history and evolution) and with social aspects (such as
language, culture, politics, family and religion).
In other words Anthropology is the study of what makes us human.

24. The aspect of Health
Health According to WHO It is a state of complete
physical, mental and social well being and not merely the
absence of disease or illness

25. The social concept of Illness, disease,
sickness, and sick role
Illness is the subjective experience of ill health
Disease is the medically defined pathology
Sickness is the social role of those defined as diseased or ill
The sick role refers to the set of rights and obligations that
surround illness and shape the behaviour of doctors and patients
In view if the sick role Parsons explains illness as a kind of rest,
when you can be free of your everyday burdens…For me,
illness is breaking off from social life, from life outside and
social obligations
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26. Health related Behaviors
•Health behavior is a behavior that affects health: –Health
impairing habits, which is called "behavioral pathogens" (for
example smoking, eating a high fat diet) –
Health protective behaviors, which is defined as "behavioral
immunogens" (e.g. attending a health check).
Illness behavior is a behavior aimed at seeking a remedy
(e.g. going to the doctor).
Sick role behavior is an activity aimed at getting well (e.g.
taking prescribed medication or resting). In other words,
sick role is behavior and obligations expected from a sick
person.

27. Illness Behaviour
Illness behavior is described as the state when the
individual feels ill and behaves in a particular way
-Illness is a psychological concept:
 – It has different meanings for different people
 – It’s based upon an individual’s personal evaluation of
his/her bodily state and ability to function

29. Disease versus ill/illness behavior:
Disease is physical malfunctioning of the body.


Illness is subjective perception of whether one is
sick or not.
It is possible to have a disease and not feel ill, e.g.,
undetected diabetes.
Also possible to feel ill without any detectable disease, e.g.,
hypochondriasis.

30. Sick Role
• The sick role – any activity undertaken for the purpose
of getting well by those who consider themselves ill.
• This is a social role. A patient who enters the sick role
has both rights and obligations.
• There are positives and negatives to the sick role.

31. Sick Role Behavior
There are four aspects of sick role behavior:
 •The sick person is not at fault for being sick.
•The sick person is excused from usual (everyday) responsibilities.
 •The sick person must get well as soon as possible.
 •The sick person must s Sick Role Behavior There are four aspects
of sick role behavior:
•The sick person is not at fault for being sick.
•The sick person is excused from usual (everyday) responsibilities.
•The sick person must get well as soon as possible.
 •The sick person must seek professional help.

34. Behaviour related to chronic illness
seeking medical attention in the presence of symptoms
especially referral behaviour(new signs and symptoms
revealed at examination) and delay
Compliance with medical regimen
Staying in treatment and
Modification of life style to reduce risk

35. Health-Related Behaviors for Chronic Disease
Prevention
Five key health-related behaviors for chronic disease
prevention
are:
-Never smoking,
-Getting regular physical activity,
-Consuming no alcohol or only moderate amounts,
-Maintaining a normal body weight, and
-Obtaining daily sufficient sleep.

36. Health Belief Model (HBM)
The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a psychological health
behavior change model developed to explain and predict
health-related behaviors, particularly in regard to the
uptake of health services.
 The health belief model suggests that people's beliefs about
health problems, perceived benefits of action and barriers to
action, and self-efficacy explain engagement (or lack of
engagement) in health-promoting behavior.
A stimulus, or cue (Peer pressure) to action, must also be
present in order to trigger the health-promoting behavior.

38. Components of HBM
-Perceived susceptibility: This refers to a person's subjective perception of the risk of acquiring an
illness or disease.
-Perceived severity: This refers to a person's feelings on the seriousness of contracting an illness or
disease.
-Perceived benefits: The course of action a person takes in preventing (or curing) illness or disease
relies on consideration and evaluation of both perceived susceptibility and perceived benefit, such
that the person would accept the recommended health action if it was perceived as beneficial.
-Perceived barriers: This refers to a person's feelings on the obstacles to performing a recommended
health action. The person weighs the effectiveness of the actions against the perceptions that it may
be expensive, dangerous (e.g., side effects), unpleasant (e.g., painful), time-consuming, or
inconvenient.
-Cue to action: This is the stimulus needed to trigger the decision making process to accept a
recommended health action. These cues can be internal (e.g., chest pains, wheezing, etc.) or external
(e.g., advice from others, illness of family member, newspaper article, etc.).
-Self-efficacy: This refers to the level of a person's confidence in his or her ability to successfully
perform a behavior.

39. Where do we intervene
Educate about threat (vulnerability, susceptibility)
fear appraisals
Educate about coping( response efficacy) . Health
education

40. Role of biological factors
Genetic material and aspects of persons physiological
functioning
Structural defects, immune functioning etc

41. Role of psychological factors
Behaviour and mental processes
Cognition- perceving, learning, remembering, thinking,
interpreting, believing, problem solving
Emotion- subjective feeling that affects and is affected by
our thoughts, behaviour and physiology
Motivation- why people behave the way they do

42. Role of social factors
People live in a social world and have relationship with
other people who affect them and are affected by them
Society affects health by promoting certain values of the
culture
Community-consists of individuals who live fairly near one
another
Family- live together and share strong emotional bond

43. Relevance and importance of Behavioral
Science to Health & Medicine
Relevance is demonstrated in the: -Aetiology of illness,
-Presentation of illnesses,
-Delivery of health care,
-Aspects of social and psychological treatment.

45. Scope of Behavioural sciences
 Decision Sciences: Decision sciences deals with the
decision processes . It concentrate mainly on Psychology.
 Communication Sciences: Communication Sciences deals
with communication strategies used by humans.
Communication implies human interaction and
relationship. It concentrate mainly on behavioural
sciences and Anthropology

46. Importance of Behavioural Sciences and
Communication to a Physician
 It well help Physicians provide holistic care. This entails that all
areas of the patients’ well being must be taken care of including
the psychological/mental aspect of the patient.
The study of behaviour will help a Physician to predict human
behaviour.
This will enable us to be thoroughly prepared for any eventuality
and consequently result in improved medical care.
Behavioural science also affords the Physician with skills to be able
to attend to patients of all age groups competently.

47. Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician
Knowledge of psychology help Physician creation of an
efficient care plan for patients
A Physician should consider must make a wholesome decision
when deciding on the best care plan by considering the
mental and physical state. For example, a patient who is
having anxiety after diagnosis of chronic disease might lose
interest in activities of daily living and even refuse to leave
the bed. It is a dangerous habit that will increase the risk of
secondary infections such as pneumonia or respiratory
infections. Physician need to advice ,care and counsel
accordingly

48. Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician
To help the Physician deal with patients' emotional problems
caused by their health problems.
A lot of times poor health can lead to depression and HPs
skilled in dealing with psychological problems are better
equipped to handle that issue.
Better interaction with Patients
Health proffession involves the management of patients with
different types of illnesses hence they must try to understand
the kind of pain that is hurting them to change their attitude
and thoughts to improve well-being

49. Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician
Physician who draw on psychology will make a better decision on
how to interact with the patients according to different factors such
as age and gender. For instance, children and young patients are
likely to fear attention from adults. It will difficult to make them
relax to listen to and understand their illness.
A Physician needs to apply psychology and knowledge of child
development to young patients to make headway in alleviating their
apprehensions.
Psychology helps to build a relationship between Physician and
patients. As a result, the patients can interact and communicate
openly and communicate their specific needs to the caregiver.

50. Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician
It helps Physicians to properly asses Patients
When evaluating the condition of a patient, Physician consider
the severity of illness, level of discomfort or pain and response
of the patient. Physician must identify the emotional and
mental status of their patients for inclusion as part of their
evaluation.
Psychology helps them to determine the real behavior of the
patient in reaction to the ill health. For instance, some
patients have optimism even if they are seriously sick or when
the prognosis is incredibly bleak. A Physician will know that an
optimistic patient is likely to cope better with pain and other
symptoms of the disease.

51. Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician


Social correlates of disease including demographic
factors can be understood by the Physician with the
knowledge of behavioural sciences.


It helps the Physician to approach the patient at
various level.
 – Emotional level – Cultural level – Intellectual level
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52. Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician
Emotional level. –
 The Physician should understand the patient emotions.
 Physician give some opportunity to patient for ventilate
their feelings.
Which will reduce their emotional burden.
 It is really helps to build up the rapport which is
essential for effective curative intervention.
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53. Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician
Cultural level
– Patients may not be able to adjust with hospital
environment because limitation of cultural environment.
 – For example: A female patient not to be ready to
remove her clothes at the time of surgery because of their
cultural sentiments.
 – The Physician should explain the cultural thinking and
give explanation the need for removing all her clothes
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54. Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician
 Intellectual level –
 The patient is unable to understand the instructions and
guidelines given by the physician
– So here the knowledge of behavioural sciences help to
Physician to understand the intelligence of patients.
 – This knowledge makes the Physician to approach the
patient sympathetically without emotional reaction.
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55. Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician
 Economic condition and patient care:
– If a patient belongs to working or middle class, the family
will face economic problems and the patient will have the
fear of destitution.
 – Inspite of the willingness of the patient nobody prefers to
employ him.
– As a result the patient is forced to lead an idle life which
leads to serious economic problems. – So the Physician
should feel their economic condition.
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56. Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician


Importance of social environment:
– A patient with physical handicap should be understood in
the context of his social milieu.
– Psychological, social and vocational handicaps of the
disabled person and patients are often related with false
attitudes of the people.
– The Physician should understand the social environment
for develop the patient health condition.
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57. Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician


Importance of understanding the social factors.
behavioural sciences helps Physician to understand the
social factors which from the barriers to treatment,
rehabilitation and positive outcome.
– Physician to understand the importance of supportive
social factors in treating and rehabilitating the patient.
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58. Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician


Intervention measures: In the absence of social worker
the Physician may have to deal with family and other
problems such as housing, finance, social, isolation and
psychological disturbances of the patient.


Intervention on finance and social security measures.
Social change and treatment.

Modification of attitudes.
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